Fort Defiance Day

October 24, 2012

On Oct. 6, the Friends of Fort Defience State Park hosted the second annual Fort Defiance Day held at the park lodge. Despite the incredible unseasonable weather, a good time was had by all who ventured out in the cold to participate in the day's events at the park. You were the brave ones and I would like to thank you for coming and spending time with us.

As president of the Friends group, I would like to thank the hardy group of 25 volunteers who helped make this event a success. Special thanks go out to those that set up their displays and interacted with the public. They included Rebecca Masters (Organic gardening), Bob Isebrand (Wood Carving), Mike Clarken (Dutch oven cooking), Charles Vigdal (Wild edibles, and the students from the Environmental Studies and Graphic Design programs at ILCC who hosted numerous displays and provided activities for the children. It is always amazing how a small group of volunteers can make such a difference by giving their time for the betterment of our community.

It is also remarkable how wonderful the business community in Estherville is in their support of such volunteer activities. Special thanks go out to the following businesses that supported the event. They include Mac's Top Hat BBQ, Treats to Treasures, Pepsi Americas, Fareway, HyVee, Kinetico Water and Clarken Realtors. Without their contributions, our event could not have been such a success.

Finally, I would like to thank the citizens of Estherville who have supported the work and activities of the Friends of Fort Defience State Park through the years. Because of your support, the Friends group continues to work to improve the park so that it can remain an important part of our wonderful community.